On October 12, during the 10th edition of the Nicosia Book Fest, “Hope For Children” CRC Policy Center (HFC) showcased the creative work of youth who took part in the photo competition “Delete the Hate”, one of the initiatives of the European project HTIA - Hate Tracks Into Action, which focuses primarily on sensitivity towards hate speech, mutual respect, and freedom of expression.
The project was created with the aim of combating the spread of hate speech, fake news, and the current authoritarian and anti-democratic trends throughout the EU, which often prevent citizens, including young people, from being agents of change. During its lifecycle, the project has promoted a transnational network of young activists (aged 19-28) to act as agents of change. Through collaboration between European youth organizations and the use of innovative training and digital communication methodologies, the project has aimed to strengthen young people's skills in preventing and combating hate speech, promoting equality and tolerance, and creating new forms of participation and social activism.
"Delete the Hate": a simple powerful message
The “Delete the Hate” photo contest was born from the idea that photography, as a universal and accessible art form, can be a language for spreading empathy.
The winner of the competition, Emanuela Loprete, said: “In a world where words are losing some of their meaning, especially online, and are used to hurt, images may have the power to make people think more about what they see, without judging, by telling stories of kindness and humanity”.
The message of the contest was that eliminating hate does not mean denying conflict or diversity, but transforming them into dialogue, understanding, and respect. The participants interpreted the theme in different but complementary ways: some illustrated small gestures of everyday kindness, others moments of peaceful protest or of contact and encounter between different people.
An event that brought together education, art, and participation
During the Book Fest, the photos were displayed at the Hope For Children stand, attracting the attention of many visitors who were invited to vote for the winner. In just a few hours, more than 50 people voted for their favorite photo. The stand, located in the children's area, encouraged participation from families, children, teenagers, as well as educators, teachers, and social workers.
The relaxed and welcoming atmosphere of the festival made the HFC stand an ideal place for dialogue and reflection. Many visitors stopped not only to look at the photos, but also to learn about the HTIA project and the activities that the organization carries out to protect minors and promote a culture based on mutual respect. The artwork created by young activists became a bridge: from a simple visual point of interest to a meaningful conversation about what it means to “delete the hate” in the real world.
Reflection from the competition: what does it mean to “Delete the Hate”?
During the Book Fest, the photos were displayed at the Hope For Children stand, attracting the attention of many visitors who were invited to vote for the winner. In just a few hours, more than 50 people voted for their favorite photo. The stand, located in the children's area, encouraged participation from families, children, teenagers, as well as educators, teachers, and social workers.
To the winner of the competition, Emanuela, “delete the hate” means breaking the vicious cycle of anger, replacing impulsive reactions with listening, curiosity, and compassion. For some people HFC spoke to at the Book Fest, the theme also represented a reflection on how hatred can arise from ignorance and fear of diversity, and on how important it is to educate children from an early age about empathy and respect for differences.
Art, and in this specific case photography, has been recognized as a way to make these kinds of dynamics visible: an image can tell a story of pain or hope with immediacy, prompting viewers to question their own emotions and personal conventions. Participants underlined the importance of creating spaces for dialogue, of listening to stories from other people, and promoting kindness as a daily act.
The role of young people
Overall, the competition and the exhibition of the photos at the Book Fest inspired a collective reflection about the power of new generations.
“Youth, grown up in a digital world, nowadays are protagonists of online communication. This means that they also have the responsibility and the opportunity to transform the Internet into a place of constructive dialogue,” said Emanuela Loprete.
Many young people attending the Book Fest demonstrated a high level of awareness on this issue: they are able to recognize hate speech and want to be part of the solution. Through projects such as HTIA, Hope For Children encourages youth to participate in the process of combatting hate speech and discrimination, promoting positive and inclusive messages not only online but also in everyday life. The “Delete the Hate” photo competition was not just an art contest, but an opportunity for collective reflection – a moment when children, teenagers, and adults could think together about what it means to build a kinder world.